Morgan County Sheriff: Man accused in “brutal attack of his girlfriend”

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Derek Chad Parson (Photo: Morgan County Jail)

Morgan County Sheriff: Man accused in “brutal attack of his girlfriend”

Derek Chad Parson (Photo: Morgan County Jail)

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. – A man has been arrested and charged with a felony after seriously injuring his girlfriend in what authorities say was a “brutal attack.”

Derek Chad Parson, 30, of Union Grove, is charged with “Domestic Violence by Strangulation or Suffocation.” Sheriff Ana Franklin said he is accused in the brutal attack of his girlfriend, Bertha Virginia Smith, on June 25.

Sheriff Franklin said Smith suffered serious physical injuries, including rib fractures, contusions, internal bleeding, facial and head trauma and loss of consciousness. She is currently undergoing treatment in Morgan, Cullman and Madison Counties.

Sheriff Franklin said “Domestic Violence by Strangulation or Suffocation” is a serious “Class B” felony offense.

Parson was arrested after turning himself in at the Morgan County Jail.

Bond is set at $25,000.00 and Mr. Parson remains in jail in at this time.

Sgt. Pete Taylor, Special Victims’ Unit Supervisor says other associated charges are pending in this incident.